Vibration Dampening Muzzle Device for a Small Arms Weapon

ABSTRACT

A muzzle device is provided comprising a cylindrical body defining a device axis. The body having a rear end with an attachment facility configured to connect to a firearm barrel muzzle and a forward end. The body defines a bore extending along the device axis, and further the body defines a plurality of enclosed voids.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/782,567 filed on Dec. 20, 2018, entitled “Vibration Dampening Muzzle Device for a Small Arms Weapon”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all that is taught and disclosed therein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a muzzle device for a small arms weapon, and more particularly, to a vibration dampening muzzle device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 74 illustrates the distal end portion of a barrel 1 which is used to accelerate and direct the projectile in a small arms weapon such as a rifle, shotgun, or handgun, as is known in the prior art. The exemplary barrel includes a muzzle 2, which is the opening through which the projectile(s) exit after being fired. The barrel further includes an end portion 3 which is optionally threaded in order that a muzzle device (not shown) may be affixed. The end portion may include a distal butting surface 4 against which a muzzle device may be snugged, and/or a shoulder 5 against which a muzzle device may be snugged.

A variety of muzzle devices are known in the field of small arms weapons design. One type of muzzle device is a flash hider, whose purpose is to reduce the visible flame or “flash” which occurs when a firearm is fired and unburned propellant escapes the muzzle before being consumed. Muzzle flash is undesirable in that it may, in low light shooting situations, have an adverse effect on the eyesight of the shooter and others nearby, by causing their pupils to contract. Muzzle flash is even more undesirable in combat, as it gives away the location of the shooter, who can then be targeted by the enemy.

Another type of muzzle device is a suppressor, sometimes called a “silencer”, whose purpose is to reduce the “loudness” of a gunshot. The sharp gunshot sound results from a wave of extremely high-pressure gas escaping the muzzle at the time the projectile exits the muzzle. The suppressor operates by causing a delay in the release of the pressure wave, smearing it over a longer period of time. This reduces the peak amplitude of the pressure wave ultimately released into the surrounding air.

Another type of muzzle device, and one which has to date not found a great deal of commercial success, is a vibration dampening device. When a weapon is fired, vibrations are induced in the material, typically steel, of its barrel. These vibrations may include shock waves and other phenomena. These vibrations may include, for example, annular “donut” waves and/or compression waves, which travel down the barrel from the proximal/chamber end to the distal/muzzle end. These waves typically oscillate up and down the barrel, with different types—and distinct instances—of the various types of waves perhaps travelling at varying velocities. All are believed to cause ballistic inaccuracies by virtue of movements they induce in the material of the barrel, particularly at the muzzle.

Existing dampening devices typically operate by virtue of an increased mass at the muzzle, which is optionally “tunable” by having its center of mass or moment moved axially and/or circumferentially. One such device is the BOSS (Ballistic Optimized Shooting System) from Browning, described at https://www.browning.com/support/frequently-asked-questions/boss-system.html. At that page, Browning states that “The BOSS simply tunes the vibrations of your barrel. This allows the bullet to leave the barrel the split second it is stationary”, by which we believe they mean “the split second the muzzle is stationary”. Adjustment and operation of the BOSS are described in the manual at https://www.browning.com/content/dam/browning/support/owners-manuals/bossmanual.pdf

The BOSS is “tuned” by rotating it on its threaded base, which moves the mass of the BOSS axially with respect to the bore axis. This does not dampen the vibrations, but merely changes the resonant frequency of the barrel-plus-BOSS system, enabling the shooter to set the BOSS at a position which will have the bullet exiting the muzzle when (some of) the barrel vibrations are not at the muzzle end of the barrel.

What is more desirable is a muzzle device which, rather than working around barrel vibrations, actually reduces or even eliminates them.

Any given muzzle device may exhibit characteristics of any of the types of devices described above, in varying amounts. A “pure” flash hider may offer some very small amount of dampening, simply due to its mass, and to the fact that it may be constructed of a somewhat different material than the barrel and thus have different harmonic and resonant characteristics.

The limitations of the prior art are addressed by providing a muzzle device for coupling to a barrel of a small arms weapon to reduce vibrations and oscillations in the barrel and thereby improve accuracy of the weapon. The muzzle device includes a proximal mounting portion for mechanical engagement with the barrel, and a distal portion which includes one or more vibration dampening devices, which may be integrally formed with the muzzle device. The dampening device encloses a void which contains a quantity of vibration dampening material. In one embodiment, the muzzle device is manufactured by 3D additive printing, with rigid portions thereof being sintered or melted from a powder or other stock material, and the dampening material includes unsintered/unmelted powder or stock material. In a preferred embodiment, the powder is a metal powder and the rigid portions of the muzzle device and formed by sintering or melting the powder into a solid metal, such as steel. The void may include a lattice which is also formed from the powder so as to be distributed within the void yet leave unsintered powder surrounding the lattice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-74 show various views of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a first embodiment of the invention, configured as a flash hider and having a plurality of groups of different sizes of spherical vibration dampening devices.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention, configured as a flash hider and having a plurality of groups of different sizes of vibration dampening devices which are elongated in a direction parallel with the bore axis, with groups of different sizes and at different spacings.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate a third embodiment of the invention, configured as a flash hider and having a plurality of annular ring-shaped vibration dampening devices.

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the invention, configured as a flash hider and having a plurality of elongated vibration dampening devices, some extending axially and some extending circumferentially.

FIGS. 18-20 illustrate a fifth embodiment of the invention, configured as a flash hider and adding to the fourth embodiment a spirally configured vibration dampening device.

FIGS. 21-24 illustrate a sixth embodiment of the invention, configured as a flash hider in which the vibration dampening devices are contained within the tubular distal member of the flash hider.

FIGS. 25-26 illustrate a seventh embodiment of the invention, configured as a flash hider having a familiar “split tube” design and featuring decorative vibration dampening devices.

FIGS. 27-30 illustrate an eighth embodiment of the invention, configured as a pure vibration dampener, and illustrating the use of vibration dampening devices which are not completely closed.

FIGS. 31-32 illustrate the eighth embodiment coupled to a barrel.

FIGS. 33-37 illustrate a ninth embodiment of the invention, configured as a sound suppressor.

FIGS. 38-42 illustrate a tenth embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 43-46 illustrate an eleventh embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 47-49 illustrate a twelfth embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 50-52 illustrate a thirteenth embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 53-55 illustrate a fourteenth embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 56-58 illustrate a fifteenth embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 59-61 illustrate a sixteenth embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 62-64 illustrate a barrel of a small arms weapon according to a seventeenth embodiment of this invention.

FIGS. 65-67 illustrate a barrel of a small arms weapon according to an eighteenth embodiment of this invention.

FIGS. 68-69 illustrate a nineteenth embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 70-71 illustrate a twentieth embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 72-73 illustrate a twenty-first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 74 illustrates an exemplary barrel of a small arms weapon with which this invention may be utilized.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a small arms muzzle device 10 utilizing the principles of this invention, shown in an isometric view. The muzzle device includes a proximal portion 12 for mounting the muzzle device to the barrel of a weapon, and a distal portion 14 which performs the functions of the muzzle device. In this example, the muzzle device is configured as a flash hider having an open proximal end 16, and is not intended to perform any non-trivial amount of sound suppression, but channels and obscures all or some of the muzzle flash which may occur when the weapon is fired, and further functions to perform the vibration and shock dampening functions of this invention.

The distal portion of the muzzle device may advantageously be based upon a cylindrical or other shape tube 18, which includes one or more vibration dampening features 20. Various embodiments of such vibration dampening features will be described below.

FIGS. 2-8 illustrate one embodiment of a muzzle device.

FIG. 2 illustrates the muzzle device 10 in a side view, showing cross-section cut lines A-A and B-B, through which the muzzle device is cross-sectioned as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively. In the embodiment shown, the tubular distal portion 18 has a larger diameter than does the proximal mounting portion 12. In other embodiments, they could be equal, or the distal portion could be smaller. The relative axial lengths of the portions are only for illustration, and may be sized according to the needs of an application at hand.

FIG. 3 illustrates one method of forming the dampening features 20 with the tubular distal portion 18. A salient feature of this invention is that the dampening features are hollow. In some embodiments, such as those shown, the dampening features enclose their internal hollow 22, while in other embodiments the hollow may be partially open, such as at one end, to the external ambient. In the embodiment shown here, the dampening feature 20 is formed integrally with the tubular member 18, with a first portion 24 being outside the tubular member, and a second portion 26 being located within the tubular member. The first portion may also be termed a mounting device.

Another salient feature of this invention is that the dampening features contain, within their hollow geometries, a material or substance which dampens vibrations which are induced in the material of the muzzle device (and which have been transmitted to the muzzle device via its mechanical attachment to the barrel). Any suitable material may be utilized for this purpose. It is known to use a variety of rubber and elastomeric materials for dampening vibrations, for example a variety of dampening devices which are commercially available for attachment to archery bows and strings, and rubber donut style dampeners for firearm barrels. It is also known to use a variety of liquid materials for dampening vibrations, including water, oils, gels, and other liquid mediums.

In one particularly advantageous embodiment of a muzzle device constructed according to the principles of this invention, powdered metal 30 is used as the dampening material, as shown in a single exemplary void in FIG. 3. Advantageously, this powdered metal may simply be the material from which the rigid body components of the muzzle device are fabricated in a 3D additive printing process. The 3D printing machine lays down a layer of very finely powdered metal, then laser sinters or melts the portions of that powder which are, according to the cross-sectional dimensions and features of the muzzle device, at its then-current layer. Powdered metal which has solid metal built up around it is thus captured in a void, to become the captive dampening material of one or more dampening devices which are under construction at that particular cross-sectional layer.

As shown in FIG. 3, the muzzle device may advantageously include a plurality of dampening features, and these may optionally be arranged in a symmetric radial pattern about the bore axis 32. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, there are a plurality of such groupings such as 20 a-f, each arranged at a respective axial distance along the tubular member. Also illustrated is the concept that the dampening features may optionally be of varying sizes. In the embodiment shown, alternating “rows” of dampening devices have a small size, then a large size, and so forth. In the embodiment shown, each dampening device has a generally spherical shape and encloses a generally spherical void, but this is merely one design option.

FIG. 4 illustrates the dampening devices 20 d which can be seen to be smaller than those 20 d shown in FIG. 3. Also illustrated is that the various groupings of dampening devices may be “clocked” at different rotational positions about the bore axis. In one embodiment, those such as dampening device 34 which are at a “top” position of the muzzle device when it is mounted to the firearm, may advantageously be of a reduced radial dimension as measured from the bore axis to their outermost point, so as to avoid impinging on the shooter's view through the sights (optical or “iron”) of the weapon. Clocking of muzzle devices is well known in the art, and can be achieved by the use of appropriate thicknesses of shim washers (not shown) between the mating faces of the barrel and the muzzle device, or by the use of roll pins (not shown), or what have you.

By comparing the views offered in FIGS. 3 and 4, consulting from their reference in FIG. 2, it becomes apparent that the mounting portion 14 of the muzzle device has a tightest inner dimension at 34. This dimension must be large enough to reliably avoid being struck by a projectile exiting the muzzle of the barrel. It also becomes apparent that, in some embodiments, the more open distal end of the muzzle device may advantageously have an inner dimension 36 which is larger—and perhaps significantly larger—than this inner dimension, for aesthetic reasons and/or safety reasons, particularly if used on a shotgun whose pellets may spread quickly or randomly or whose wad may flare or veer off axis quickly.

It is further apparent in viewing FIG. 4 that the dampening devices need not necessarily be “centered” with respect to the tube itself. In some embodiments, the dampening devices are cheated toward the center bore, to help reduce the overall outer dimension of the muzzle device and thus reduce its impingement on the shooter's line of sight.

FIG. 5 is an end view of the muzzle device 10, looking down the bore axis (indicated by an “X”) from the proximal end. This is the view seen from the weapon. The mounting portion 14 includes a shoulder face 40 which may be snugged into tight mechanical contact with a shoulder of the weapon's barrel, optionally via intervening clocking shims. The mounting portion includes a muzzle face 42 which may optionally be snugged into tight mechanical contact with the muzzle face of the weapon's barrel, or it may not make contact, depending on the relative dimensions of the barrel and the muzzle device.

The mounting portion may further include a plurality of “flats” 44 for engaging a wrench. In one embodiment, a first pair of flats 44 a-b have between them a distance optimized for use with American dimension wrenches, such as a ⅞-inch box wrench, and a second pair of flats 44 c-d have between them a distance optimized for use with Metric dimension wrenches, such as a 22 mm spanner.

FIG. 6 simply shows the muzzle device as viewed from the target, looking down the bore axis from the business end.

FIG. 7 shows a top view of the muzzle device, and FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view taken at cut line A-A.

FIG. 9 illustrates a muzzle device 50 according to a second embodiment of this invention. Whereas in the first embodiment the dampening devices were of a generally spherical shape, in this second embodiment the dampening devices 52 are elongated in the axial dimension. And whereas in the first embodiment each group or row of dampening devices had an equal number of dampening devices, in this second embodiment the first group 52 a includes four dampening devices, the second group 52 b includes five dampening devices, and the third group 52 c includes six dampening devices. And whereas in the first embodiment there were only two sizes of dampening devices, in this second embodiment the first group 52 a includes four large dampening devices, the second group 52 b includes five medium dampening devices, and the third group 52 c includes six small dampening devices.

Having different numbers and/or different sizes of dampening devices may provide the muzzle device with a more “broad spectrum” dampening ability. Also illustrated is the concept that having the dampening devices disposed on different axial spacings may further improve “broad spectrum” dampening ability; specifically, the distance between the center of the first group 52 a and the center of the second group 52 b is greater than the distance between the center of the second group 52 b and the center of the third group 52 c.

FIG. 10 is an end view of the muzzle device 50, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the muzzle device 50 taken at cut line A-A. One particularly advantageous feature shown in FIG. 10 is that, although each group of muzzle devices is distributed at even circumferential positions about the bore axis and is thus balanced as to center of mass and moment, it is possible to have a circumferential position 58 at which there are no dampening devices, to provide a best-case obstruction free clocking position for the shooter's line of sight.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate a muzzle device 60 according to a third embodiment of this invention. In this embodiment, the dampening devices 62 extend circumferentially, rather than axially as in the previous embodiment. In the embodiment shown, the dampening devices extend completely around the muzzle device, but they could alternatively have less angle of extension. And, optionally, there could be more than one such shorter dampening device at any given axial position. The voids 64 within the dampening devices may be contiguous, as shown, or they may be segmented internally; this may be advantages in some manufacturing applications.

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate a muzzle device 70 according to a fourth embodiment of this invention, which includes axially extending dampening devices 72 and circumferentially extending dampening devices 74. It illustrates that there is no strict requirement that any particular configuration of dampening device “stay in its lane”, and that the different types of dampening devices may overlap at any particular axial location. Axially extending dampening devices have axially extending voids 76, while circumferentially extending dampening devices have circumferentially extending voids 78.

FIGS. 18-20 illustrate a muzzle device 80 according to a fifth embodiment of this invention, which includes three configurations of dampening devices, including a dampening device 82 which extends in a spiral about the center bore and along its axis.

FIGS. 21-24 illustrate a muzzle device 90 according to a sixth embodiment of this invention, in which the dampening devices 92 are contained entirely within the external tube of the distal portion of the muzzle device, vs extending outside it as in previously described embodiments. As the dampening devices are entirely within the tube, the tube itself can be utilized as an outer wall of them to enclose a void 94.

FIGS. 25-26 illustrate a muzzle device 100 according to a seventh embodiment of this invention, in which the dampening devices 102 are disposed entirely outside the internal volume of the tube. In any embodiment, but with particular ease in this embodiment, the distal tube portion 104 of the muzzle device may have a smaller external diameter than that of the proximal mounting portion. Further, in any embodiment the tube may be partially or wholly partitioned by one or more slots 108 extending in the axial direction, giving the muzzle device a familiar general appearance as compared with many conventional flash hiders.

Further illustrated is the use of non-rounded dampening devices, and that such may take on any shape whatsoever, as dictated by the application at hand or by customer wishes or whimsy. A first dampening device 102 a is shown as a forward-pointing triangle or arrow, a second 102 b as a stylized Claymore mine with its business side facing forward, and a third 102 c as a stylized bullet. Other configurations and shapes can be employed, such as corporate logos, customer-custom designs, text, and the like.

FIGS. 27-30 illustrate a muzzle device 110 according to an eighth embodiment of this invention. This one differs from the others in that its mounting portion 112 is at its distal end, while its portion 114 including dampening devices 116 is at its proximal end. Rather than extending downrange from the muzzle, this embodiment is configured to extend back over the barrel toward the shooter. This offers the advantage of reducing the overall weapon length. The tradeoff is that the internal dimension of the tube portion 114 needs to be large enough to fit over the barrel without contacting it.

FIG. 28 illustrates that the dampening devices need not necessarily be sealed, but may be in some applications advantageously left open to the atmosphere to facilitate the insertion of a variety of elastomeric etc. dampening inserts 120. It may be found desirable that any such openings be at the proximal end (toward the shooter), with their distal ends sealed, as the weapon may move quickly toward the shooter under recoil. Having the distal ends closed will tend to help avoid walking the inserts out.

Optionally, the openings may be provided with removable caps (not shown) which can temporarily seal the voids within the dampening devices. In this instance, the voids may be filled (partially or completely) with e.g. powder or liquid dampening materials. This may prove advantageous if, for example, it is desired to test the dampening qualities with a variety of types or amounts of such materials, or simply to replace materials which have leaked out or which have gone bad.

FIGS. 31-32 illustrate the muzzle device 110 coupled to a barrel 1. The barrel includes a shoulder 5 and a muzzle face, which may be snugged into tight mechanical contact with a shoulder 120 or a face 122 of the muzzle device, respectively. The engagement will be determined by the relative geometries of the barrel and the muzzle device, in this as in other embodiments described above.

Purely for ease of illustration, a large amount of clearance 124 is shown between the outer diameter of the barrel and the inner diameter of the muzzle device through which it extends. In reality, a much smaller amount of clearance will suffice. It is desirable that the muzzle device not contact the barrel in any light, asymmetrical, or accidental manner, both at rest and under recoil etc., as such contact may tend to interfere with the correct and accurate operation of the weapon; the barrel should be “free floating” except at intentional and well-engineered points of firm contact between it and the muzzle device.

FIGS. 33-37 illustrate a muzzle device 130 according to a ninth embodiment of this invention. The muzzle device includes an exterior tube 132 and an interior tube 134, and one or more partition walls 136, 138 which define voids 140 of respective vibration dampening devices. The muzzle device may optionally include one or more vents 142 extending between the partition walls of adjacent vibration dampening devices, to configure the muzzle device as a muzzle brake.

FIG. 33 shows the muzzle device 130 in isometric view. FIG. 34 shows the muzzle device in front view, with cut lines A-A, B-B, and C-C respectively indicating where FIGS. 35, 36, and 37 are taken as cross-sections.

FIGS. 38-42 illustrate a muzzle device 150 according to a tenth embodiment of this invention. The muzzle device includes one or more vibration dampening devices 152, and optionally one or more brake vents 154. The vibration dampening device encloses a void 156 which is filled with suitable dampening material.

FIG. 38 shows the muzzle device 150 in isometric view. FIG. 39 shows the muzzle device in front view, with cut lines A-A, B-B, and C-C respectively indicating where FIGS. 40, 41, and 42 are taken as cross-sections.

FIGS. 38-42 further illustrate a geometry which complies with a given set of 3D printing rules, such that the muzzle device may advantageously be printed without the need for support structures. Any given 3D printing technology may impose its own set of rules or guidelines, which facilitate correct printing within desired tolerances and with minimized failures in the printing process.

For example, one set of rules may dictate that no piece of printed structure should have its margin extend laterally beyond previously-printed (lower) pieces of that structure more than e.g. 1 mm unless the intervening margin is angled at least 45 degrees up relative to the base plate (not shown) on which the printed structures are begun, or, in other words angled no more than 45 degrees outward from the vertical axis of the printing. In the example shown, the edges of the margins of the vibration dampening devices and of the brake vents are angled 40 degrees vs the bore axis, or in other words more vertical than the 45-degree recommended limit, for additional safety margin in the printing.

As illustrated in FIG. 39, the muzzle device may be printed from the mount upward, relative to the printed page shown, such that printing proceeds from the muzzle end toward the distal end of the tubular section, with the bore axis perpendicular to the surface of the base plate (not shown).

FIGS. 43-46 illustrate a muzzle device 160 according to an eleventh embodiment of this invention. The muzzle device includes a tubular portion 162 which has one or more vibration dampening devices 164 and, optionally one or more first vents 166, and optionally one or more second vents 168. Each vibration dampening device encloses one or more voids 170 in which suitable vibration dampening material is disposed. As in the tenth embodiment, in the eleventh all edges have been defined so as to comply with a set of 3D printing rules.

FIGS. 47-49 illustrate a muzzle device 180 according to a twelfth embodiment of this invention. The muzzle device includes a tubular portion 182 which includes one or more vents 184 which pass high-pressure gasses from the muzzle of the barrel (not shown) in a lateral direction generally perpendicular to the bore axis, such that the muzzle device is configured as a muzzle brake. Each vent is formed by a perimeter wall 188 which penetrates from the bore axis area passage through which the projectile travels, to the outer wall of the tubular portion of the muzzle device. When these gasses strike the inner surfaces of this perimeter wall, in particular portions of it which are “down-range”, the gasses press against the perimeter wall and impart a down-range moment to it, which pushes the muzzle device, and thereby the barrel, and thereby the rest of the weapon, down-range and away from the shooter, reducing recoil felt by the shooter.

The shape, size, angle, and other parameters of the configuration of the perimeter wall may be selected according to the dictates of the application at hand. Those shown in FIGS. 47-49 are illustrative only. For example, although the brake vent is shown as being angled at a roughly 45-degree angle versus the bore axis, it could be angled directly out at 90 degrees, or it could be angled in reverse. The angle will affect the braking effect of the muzzle brake, and also the amount of muzzle blast sound energy directed back up-range.

One important feature to be noted in this twelfth embodiment is that essentially the entire tubular, distal portion of the muzzle device is configured as one large vibration dampening device, in that the outer wall 183 of the tubular portion and the inner wall 185 which defines the bore axis region are separated by a void 186 which is filled with a vibration dampening material such as powdered metal.

FIGS. 50-52 illustrate a muzzle device 190 according to a thirteenth embodiment of this invention, more particular illustrating this last point. The distal, tubular portion 192 of the muzzle device may have any desired shape according to the required parameters and aesthetics of the application at hand, and it may be manufactured such that it has an external wall or skin 194 and an internal wall or skin 196 (which defines the bore axis region 199) which define between them a void 195 which is filled with suitable vibration dampening material.

In one advantageous embodiment, the vibration dampening material comprises a quantity of metal powder left behind in the void as the muzzle device is being 3D printed (such as by growing it layer by layer from the proximal end toward the distal end). And, further, it may comprise a lattice of fine metal structure (described below) incorporated throughout the void and coupling the interior surface of the inner wall 196 to the interior surface of the outer wall 194. Advantageously, the inclusion of such a lattice may be utilized to provide 3D printing support structure for other features and geometries of the muzzle device which might otherwise collapse or become deformed during 3D printing, such as overhangs.

If the lattice is formed with sufficiently small geometries, such as being formed of sufficiently thin 3D printed wires, the lattice may break away from the structural walls of the muzzle device under heavy, repeated recoil when the weapon is fired, or may even break into small pieces, becoming itself a part of the vibration dampening material after the fact.

Alternatively, if the lattice is formed with sufficiently large geometries, all or a sufficient portion of it will survive under recoil and remain a part of the structural features of the muzzle device. In this case, rather than becoming part of the vibration dampening material, the lattice can serve a highly useful function by putting a very significantly larger amount of the vibration dampening material in direct, physical contact with a vibrating surface of the muzzle device. In other words, the lattice will serve to transmit vibrations from the barrel into the “heart” of the metal powder, rather than relying on the outer powder to transmit vibration to the inner powder. This will tend to improve the speed at which the muzzle device dampens vibrations of the barrel.

FIGS. 53-55 illustrate a muzzle device 200 according to a fourteenth embodiment of this invention. The muzzle device includes a tubular portion 202 which includes one or more muzzle brake vents 204, and encloses a void 206 which contains vibration dampening material. The void may be one single, large void, or it may be subdivided by internal partitions (not shown). As shown, it has one large void 206 which appears as separate segments 206 a-d due to the cross-section view taken from FIG. 54 to FIG. 55. As shown, the muzzle brake vents are substantially perpendicular to the bore axis.

As shown the shape of the wall or other structure which forms a muzzle brake vent may be configured to comply with the requirements of a particular manufacturing process. In the particular example shown, the muzzle device is 3D printed from the proximal base portion to the end of the distal tubular portion such that the muzzle device grows “upward” in FIG. 54. The muzzle brake vent may have any desired shape at its bottom end 207, such as the rounded shape shown, whereas at its upper end 209 it has a {circumflex over ( )} shape in which the / and \ sides are angled at least 45 degrees or less (steeper) from vertical, to avoid collapse or deformation which might result from the unsupported overhang of the / and \ before they meet in the center when 3D printing has reached that layer.

FIGS. 56-58 illustrate a muzzle device 210 according to a fifteenth embodiment of this invention. The wall 216 which defines the internal bore axis region 218 of the muzzle device has a slightly tapered “megaphone” shape to enable high-pressure gasses to escape around the projectile with minimal disturbance of the flight of the projectile. Optionally but advantageously, the outer wall 212 of the tubular portion may also have a megaphone shape, to provide a sufficient volume for the internal void 214 which contains the vibration dampening material.

FIGS. 59-61 illustrate a muzzle device 220 according to a sixteenth embodiment of this invention. The muzzle device includes a proximal portion 222 which extends back toward the shooter so as to extend over the barrel (not shown) similar to the configuration taught regarding FIGS. 31-32. The muzzle device also includes a distal portion 224 which extends downrange. The proximal portion encloses one or more voids 234 containing a quantity of vibration dampening material, and the distal portion encloses one or more voids 236 containing a quantity of vibration dampening material. A central portion 226 is shaped and sized to couple the muzzle device to the barrel of the weapon, which is inserted into the opening 230. The projectile thus exits the opening 232.

FIGS. 62-64 illustrate a barrel 250 according to a seventeenth embodiment of this invention. Whereas previously-described embodiments of the invention were configured as various sorts of muzzle devices which included the inventive vibration dampening features of the invention and were adapted to be coupled to a barrel to indirectly reduce vibrations occurring in the barrel, this seventeenth embodiment is a barrel which itself includes the vibration dampening features of the invention. It may be used in conjunction with a vibration dampening muzzle device, but that is optional.

The barrel has a proximal breech portion 252, a main body tube portion 254, and a distal muzzle portion 256 which includes the muzzle 260, and which may optionally include a threaded portion 258 for accepting a muzzle device (not shown).

The proximal breech portion of the barrel includes the chamber 262 in which the round of ammunition is held during firing, and a bore 264 extending from the chamber to the muzzle. The bore may advantageously but optionally be rifled in some applications; however, such rifling is not shown in FIG. 63, to avoid unnecessarily cluttering up the drawing.

The barrel includes one or more groups of vibration dampening devices, each including one or more vibration dampening devices. By way of example, the barrel 250 is shown in FIG. 64 as including a first group of three vibration dampening devices 270, a second vibration dampening device 272, a third vibration dampening device 274, a fourth group of five vibration dampening devices 276, and a fifth group of four vibration dampening devices 278.

In the embodiment shown, these vibration dampening devices are all disposed within the barrel, located between the outer extent of the bore and the outer extent of the barrel. The skilled engineer will readily ascertain how much material to leave between the bore and any given vibration dampening device, to avoid causing an unnecessary weak spot which may burst under pressure when the weapon is fired.

FIG. 64 shows the voids in the barrel which constitute the vibration dampening devices, illustrating them as though they were separate objects. The reader will understand that they may simply be voids formed within the metal or other material of the barrel during or after manufacture, and that they are filled during or after manufacture with a suitable vibration dampening material as described above.

The first group of vibration dampening devices 270 includes three devices 270 a-c which extend axially and circumferentially. The second group of vibration dampening devices 272 includes a single vibration dampening device, which is formed as a circumferentially extending donut. Similarly, the third group of vibration dampening devices 274 includes a single vibration dampening device, which is formed as a circumferentially extending donut of a larger dimension than the second. The fourth group of vibration dampening devices 276 includes five devices 276 a-e which extend axially and circumferentially. The fifth group of vibration dampening devices 278 includes four devices 278 a-d, which extend axially.

FIGS. 65-67 illustrate a barrel 280 according to an eighteenth embodiment of this invention. Whereas in the seventeenth embodiment, the vibration dampening devices were formed so as to be wholly within the ordinary profile of the barrel and perhaps not even noticeable to the human observer without the aid of e.g. x-ray equipment, in the eighteenth embodiment one or more groups of one or more vibration dampening devices each are externally visible, and may far more readily be utilized with a barrel which was not originally manufactured to have any such vibration dampening devices. In this mode, the vibration dampening devices are an aftermarket item which a shooter can have added to the barrel 282 of his existing weapon.

In the exemplary configuration shown, the barrel includes a first group 284 of three vibration dampening devices in a first position toward the proximal, chamber end of the barrel, a second group 286 of four vibration dampening devices in a central position of the barrel, and a third group 288 of five vibration dampening devices in a third position toward the distal, muzzle end of the barrel. These vibration dampening devices are readily discernible to the naked eye.

FIG. 66 shows the barrel without the vibration dampening devices, and FIG. 67 shows the vibration dampening devices without the barrel. As can be seen, the first group 284 of vibration dampening devices is formed in the barrel by cutting a set of external slots or other indentations into the material of the barrel, then welding, press-fitting, gluing, screwing, or otherwise affixing a set of surface plates 296 which may be contoured to match or approximate the surface of the original barrel, while leaving under each plate a void which is filled with vibration dampening material. The second group 286 of vibration dampening devices consists of a set of self-contained vibration dampening devices, each enclosing its own quantum of vibration dampening material, and these being affixed to a segment 292 of the barrel which is wholly or largely untouched. The third group 288 of vibration dampening devices consists of a set of self-contained vibration dampening devices, each enclosing its own quantum of vibration dampening material, and these being affixed to the barrel in a set of grooves or other indentations 294 which are machined into the barrel. Thus, the first group is visible but wholly contained within the ordinary geometry of the barrel, the second group is visible and wholly external to the geometry of the barrel, and the third group is a compromise between the two, being partially within and partially outside the ordinary geometry of the barrel. This latter configuration may have the advantage of improved mechanical grip versus that of the second group, and less reduction in the thickness of the barrel material between itself and the bore versus that of the first group.

FIGS. 68-69 illustrate a muzzle device 310 according to a nineteenth embodiment of this invention. In this embodiment, there are one or more voids 312 formed to contain vibration dampening material. One or more of these voids contains a lattice 314 which functions as described above. It may serve various purposes, such as distributing vibrational energy throughout the vibration dampening material to improve the speed at which vibrations are dampened. It may support various structural members of the muzzle device during manufacturing and/or during operation. In the embodiment shown, the lattice is formed as a fine, regular mesh which is integrally formed with the structural members such as the outer tubular portion and inner bore wall portion of the muzzle device.

FIGS. 70-71 illustrate a muzzle device 320 according to a twentieth embodiment of this invention, in which one or more voids 322 enclose not only vibration dampening material but also a coarse, regular lattice 324.

FIGS. 72-73 illustrate a muzzle device 330 according to a twenty-first embodiment of this invention, in which one or more voids 332 enclose vibration dampening material and a coarse, irregular or even randomly-patterned lattice 334.

It should be noted that, although the dampening material has in some instances been described as portions of the powdered metal from which the shell of the dampening device and optionally the other rigid portions of the muzzle are formed, this does not necessarily mean that the powdered metal which forms the dampening material has not been partially sintered, melted, or otherwise fused. Indeed, in some applications it may be found desirable that the powder in the under-construction voids be deliberately fused into something less than a monolithic block. For example, it may be desirable to form the powder within the void into a set of individual beads or grains, such that it more resembles sand than fine powder. As another example, it may be found advantageous, for purposes of manufacturability, to form a very fine honeycomb or other mesh structure in the powder within the void. This mesh may be made so fine that it shatters under recoil or other impact or vibration, such that the dampening characteristics of the muzzle device only become extant subsequent to the manufacturing process.

In the course of describing various embodiments of muzzle devices which employ the teachings of this invention, various ones of them have been shown as highlighting different aspects or features of such muzzle devices. The reader will readily appreciate that the various aspects and features described for any particular combination of embodiments may be combined in designing a production muzzle device. The reader will further appreciate that various details not particular germane to teaching an understanding of the invention have been omitted, such as the various dimensions of industry standard or otherwise well-known or commercially-available muzzle devices' mounting features, metallurgy, surface finishes, and the like.

What is conceptualized is a muzzle device for attaching to a muzzle end of a barrel of a small arms weapon. The muzzle device having a bore axis and comprising a first portion adapted for mechanically coupling the muzzle device to the barrel, and a second portion coupled to the first portion, including at least one vibration dampening device having an outer shell, and a quantity of vibration dampening material disposed within the shell.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein the second portion extends axially from the first portion so as to be away from the barrel when the barrel is attached to the muzzle device.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein the outer shell of the at least one vibration dampening device is integrally formed with the second portion.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein the second portion and the outer shell are formed by 3D printing additive manufacturing from a powdered metal and the vibration dampening material comprises powdered metal.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein at least one vibration dampening device extends parallel to the bore axis.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein at least one vibration dampening device extends circumferentially with respect to the bore axis.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein at least one vibration dampening device extends parallel to the bore axis.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein at least one vibration dampening device extends spirally with respect to the bore axis.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein at least one vibration dampening device comprises a plurality of vibration dampening devices.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein the plurality of vibration dampening devices comprises at least one first vibration dampening device which extends in a first orientation relative to the bore axis, wherein the first orientation comprises a first one of parallel, perpendicular, and spirally, and at least one second vibration dampening device which extends in a second orientation relative to the bore axis, wherein the first orientation comprises a different one of parallel, perpendicular, and spirally.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein the plurality of vibration dampening device comprises a plurality of groups, each group comprising a plurality of vibration dampening devices, wherein each group is disposed at a respective different position with respect to the bore axis.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein the groups of pluralities of vibration dampening device comprise respective different configurations of vibration dampening devices, wherein configuration comprises at least one of shape, size, and orientation with respect to the bore axis.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein the plurality of vibration dampening devices extend from the second portion radially outward.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein the plurality of vibration dampening devices extend from the second portion radially inward.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein the plurality of vibration dampening devices extend from the second portion both radially inward and radially outward.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein the second member comprises a tube.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein the tube is substantially cylindrical.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein the tube includes a plurality of slots extending therethrough.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein the first member is configured to couple to the barrel such that the second member will extend downrange.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein the first member is configured to couple to the barrel such that the second member will extend over the barrel.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein the second member is configured as a flash hider.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein the second member is configured as a sound suppressor.

The invention may be a muzzle device for attaching to a muzzle end of a barrel of a small arms weapon, the muzzle device having a bore axis and comprising a mounting device adapted for mechanically coupling the muzzle device to the barrel; a tubular member coupled to the mounting device so as to extend downrange when the mounting device is coupled to the barrel; and a plurality of vibration dampening devices coupled to the tubular member, each including a shell, and a quantity of vibration dampening material contained within the shell.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein the shell encloses within it a sealed void, whereby the quantity of vibration dampening material is held captive.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein the plurality of vibration dampening devices are disposed at different positions along the tubular member with respect to the bore axis.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein a plurality of the vibration dampening devices are disposed at each respective different position along the tubular member.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein the plurality of vibration dampening devices disposed at a first respective position have a first configuration; the plurality of vibration dampening devices disposed at a second respective position have a second configuration which is different than the first configuration; wherein the first and second configuration are different in at least one of size, shape, orientation with respect to the bore axis, and distance from the bore axis.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein the mounting device, the tubular member, and the plurality of vibration dampening devices are of a monolithic construction; and each of the vibration dampening devices encloses a quantity of powdered metal.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein the vibration dampening devices extend inwardly toward the bore axis from the tubular member.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein the vibration dampening devices also extend outwardly from the tubular member away from the bore axis.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein at least one of the vibration dampening devices interrupts the tubular member such that the quantity of powdered metal contained within that vibration dampening device is at a same radial distance from the bore axis as is the tubular member at the location of that vibration dampening device.

The invention may be a muzzle device for attaching to a muzzle end of a barrel of a small arms weapon, the muzzle device having a bore axis and comprising a proximal portion adapted for coupling the muzzle device to the barrel; and a distal portion coupled to the proximal portion, the distal portion including, a plurality of vibration dampening devices each enclosing at least one void, and a quantity of powdered metal disposed within at least one of the voids.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein the distal portion further comprises a plurality of vent holes extending through the distal portion.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein the plurality of vibration dampening devices are disposed at equal rotational positions about the bore axis.

The invention may be a barrel for use in a small arms weapon, the barrel comprising a tubular member having an axial bore therethrough; and at least one vibration dampening device enclosing a void, with a quantity of vibration dampening material disposed within the void.

The invention may be the barrel wherein the vibration dampening material comprises powdered metal.

The invention may be the barrel further comprising a lattice disposed within the void of the at least one vibration dampening device.

The invention may be the barrel wherein at least one vibration dampening device comprises the void being formed within the tubular member.

The invention may be the barrel wherein at least one vibration dampening device comprises the void being formed at an exterior surface of the tubular member; and a surface plate coupled to the tubular member so as to enclose the void.

The invention may be a muzzle device for attaching to a muzzle end of a barrel of a small arms weapon, the muzzle device having a bore axis and comprising a body for coupling to the barrel; and at least one vibration dampening member including, a void formed within the vibration dampening member, a lattice disposed within the void, and a quantity of vibration dampening material disposed within the void so as to be in mechanical contact with the lattice.

The invention may be the muzzle device wherein the muzzle device with the void and lattice are formed by 3D printing from a powder, the vibration dampening material comprises the quantity of the powder which is present in the void as the muzzle device and the lattice are formed. 

We claim:
 1. A muzzle device comprising: a cylindrical body defining a device axis; the body having a rear end with an attachment facility configured to connect to a firearm barrel muzzle and a forward end; the body defining a bore extending along the device axis; the body defining a plurality of enclosed voids. 